Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1887-07-01
A Bamed Traitor.

~ D&AAASA AAeAkVAs
Rev. C. w. Clark, D. D., of Albany,
recently delivered discourse of great
excellence, in which he gives fine an
alysis of the character OF the " Father
of his Country" 1t is presumed that
so extraordinary an incident as the
following would not be introduced by
DR.. Clark unless well authenticated:
When the American army was sta
toned at West Point, the headquarters
of the British forces was q few miles
distant on the banks Of the Hudson
river. They were watching each other,
and capturing what they could of pro-
visions, ammunition and prisoners.
Washington had an acquaintance re-
siding not very far from the army, by
whom he was very Hospitality enter
tanned, and where he found relaxation
from the cares of his position. This
man was once regarded as friendly to
the British, but had taken stand in
favor of the American cause, but was
inactive, on account, Ms he alleged, of
his advanced age and dependent FAM
lily. A rumor was circulated in the
army that this supposed friend was
seen at times returning from the Brit
ish camp; but Washington appeared
not to heed the report, and visited him
as usual. One day, as the General was
leaving, his friend cordially invited
him to dine with him the next day at
two o'clock, assuring that it would af-
ford great delight to have him come
informally as friend, and hinted that
he feared that as a guard always &C.
cOmpanied him he did not regard the
visits rs those of pure friendship.
Washington Immediately replied that
he would certainly come alone, with
out his guard. You will please re-
member at two o'clock" "Oh, yes, at
two"
The next day, at one O'Clock, WASH
ington mounted his fnvorite horse,
and proceeded alone upon a by-road to
the hOspitable mansion. He arrived
hall an hour before the time appoint
ed, but was received with great cordi-
ality, and with the remark, How
punctual, kind SIR" Punctuality,"
replied Washington, is q virtue en-
braciny minor, AS well as important
concerns. He that is not punctual
with friend may doubt his integ-
rity." The host started, but recover
ing himself said: "Then yours is
proof that We enjoy your fullest conf
dence." Without replying, Washing
ton proposed that they take . walk
upon the piazza before dinner. Their
position commanded . full view Of the
country, for several miles in extent.
Apparently absorbed in the beauty Of
the prospect, the General remarked,
" This is fine. bold scenery" "Yes.
sir" replied his friend. looking an1.
iously around, as though in e1pecta-
ton Of the approach Of some one; but
catching the piercing glance Of WASH
ington, his eyes were fastened confus-
edly upon the floor. Al must rally
you, my friend" observed the General.
DO you not perceive yonder point
that boldly rises from the water, and
suddenly is lost behind that hill that
checks the viewr II do," replied
the absent-minded listener. "There," !"
continued Washington, "my enemy
lies encamped; and we're it not for .
slight mist, I could almost fancy that
l perceive his cavalry moving. But
bark! that cannon. Do you not think
it proceeds from the headquarters OF
the enemy"
Watching more narrowly. he saw q
troop, seemingly OF British horse, de-
scending q distant hill, and riding
hastily towards the house. Would
it not be strange" observed the Cen
that after all my tolls America
should forfeit her liberty p "Heav-
en- forbid" said his friend, warm.
ly. "But," resumed Washington,
Il have heard of treachery in the
heart of ones camp, and doubt.
less you know that it is possible
TO be wounded even in the house Of
ones friend" "Sir," demanded the
downcast host, unable to meet the
searching glance of his companion
"who can possibly intend 90 daring 4